With Mainland fares dropping to lure economy-wary families into taking summer vacations, consider a healthful and adventurous option in Vail, Colo., where numerous companies operate out-of-the-ordinary attractions. Among them: zip-lining over a canyon (www.zipadventures.com), participating in a cattle drive (www.4eagleranch.com), learning to fly-fish (www.gorecreekflyfisherman.com), whitewater rafting (www.novaguides.com), mountain bike riding down Vail Pass (www.chartersports.com), rock climbing (www.apexmountainschool.com), hot-air ballooning (www.camelotballons.com), Jeep touring (www.timberlinetours.com), tubing down the Colorado River (www.turtletubing.com) and learning the art of mountaintop orientation (www.destinationalresortvail.com/info/summerad.html). As for a place to stay, The Antlers at Vail offers one- to four-bedroom condo suites with kitchens, fireplaces and outdoor balconies; a summer special rate for a family of four is $188 a night; 800-843-8245, www.antlersvail.com.

CIAO! FROM VENEZIA

Advertiser assistant features editor Wanda Adams is in Venice — eating, sightseeing, eating, playing with a contessa's dog, eating, puzzling her way through Mass in Italian, eating. Check out her blog at Honolulu Advertiser.com/Taste and, for travel advice and Venice experiences, her personal blog, http://waa-itslikethiscat.blogspot.com.

ON THE GO

SLEEPTRACKER DEVICE HELPS TRAVELERS STAY ON SCHEDULE

Frequent fliers suffering sleep interruption might benefit from a device called the Sleeptracker, which is worn on the wrist like an everyday watch, but employs software to track your sleep patterns and download the information to your PC or Mac so you can figure out where and when you sleep best, and perhaps why you aren't sleeping very well. Which hotels seem conducive to sleep? What eating or exercise habits tend to keep you awake? What travel schedules give you the best chance of getting some rest? The Sleeptracker doubles as a watch and a "smart" alarm clock, which wakes you when it detects signs of light sleep during a window of time you pre-determine. The device sells for $179. Information: www.sleeptracker.com.